Monday, December 5, 2011

Albino snail: This rare creature, spotted in New Zealand, is thought to be at least ten-years old

As if there are not enough creatures down under to put off most travellers, now there are giant albino meat-eating snails to contend with. It was spotted by a group of hikers in the wilderness of New Zealand. Maria Brooks, who took this astonishing picture said: 'It is a rare albino giant Powelliphanta.

This giant weta, a cricket-like creature, was discovered last week on on Little Barrier Island, in New Zealand. The creepy crawly, with a wing span of over seven inches, weighs a staggering 71 grams

'It was seen by myself and some of the Waimea tramping club members. 'We were in the bush on the side of a walking track in Mt Arthur area of Kahurangi National Park in New Zealand. 'It is believed to be at least ten years old. 'The only times I have seen giant snails out during the day is when the bush is very moist from previous rain. 'Before I saw the white one I had seen a few ordinary ones. They generally have a brown/grey body.